ALLY McCOIST last night insisted Ian Black was guilty of nothing but stupidity as he defended Rangers’ decision to stand by the midfielder who admitted betting against his own team.

The Ibrox boss confirmed that Black, who admitted betting on Gers to draw with East Stirling as part of a 10-team accumulator, has been disciplined by the club – but will be selected for the first team when his three-match ban is over.

McCoist has seen the bet Black placed and is convinced it was stupid rather than sinister.

And although Black has been heavily criticised by former players and fans his manager is prepared to give him another chance.

McCoist said: “I have seen every bet that he’s made and in my opinion, Ian Black is as committed to this club as he always has been.

“Myself, Craig Mather and Ian have discussed it. It’s an internal matter and disciplinary action has been taken within the club, it will remain internal.

“He didn’t bet on us to get beaten and having seen the bet I don’t have an issue with it. It’s just stupidity, there is no other reason for it. He’s either done it through stupidity or there’s a far more sinister motive.”

McCoist is convinced it is the former and Record Sport understands Black placed a 10-draw accumulator and claims to have thrown Rangers into it without fully considering the consequences.

Asked if Black’s team-mates would be bothered, McCoist said: “Not for me. Didn’t he score in the game he made the bet on? You couldn’t make it up.”

McCoist refused to compare Black’s conduct with that of Fran Sandaza, who was sacked last season after being duped and taped discussing a non-existent move to the MLS.

He said: “I’m not going to make cases for one and cases for another.

“But I’ve had a look through my dressing room and Ian is guilty of what 95 per cent of the players and staff are guilty of.

“So the hypocrisy wouldn’t be lost on me if we hammered Ian for something a lot of people do.”